In a thrilling showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats, AS Monaco faced off against FC Barcelona in the fifth and decisive playoff game of the Euroleague 2025. The match, held at the Salle Gaston Médecin in Monaco on May 6, 2025, was a must-win for both teams as they vied for a coveted spot in the Final Four in Abu Dhabi.
The atmosphere was electric as the game kicked off at 19:00 local time, with both teams looking to capitalize on their home-court advantages. Monaco entered the game with a 2-0 lead in the series, having won the first two matches convincingly with scores of 97-80 and 92-79. However, Barcelona clawed back with two impressive victories at their home court, winning 100-89 and 79-72, setting the stage for a dramatic finale.
Key players were highlighted in the lead-up to the game, with Monaco's Mike James and Barcelona's Willy Hernangómez and Kevin Punter taking center stage. James, known for his scoring ability and playmaking skills, was expected to be a game-changer for Monaco, while Hernangómez and Punter were crucial for Barcelona's hopes of staging an upset.
The first quarter saw Barcelona take an early lead, finishing the period at 19-15. Satoransky and Anderson made significant contributions, with Anderson hitting a crucial three-pointer. However, Monaco quickly responded, led by James, who showcased his scoring prowess, bringing the game to a tight contest.
As the second quarter unfolded, Monaco found their rhythm, outscoring Barcelona 30-20, and taking a 45-39 lead into halftime. James's explosive performance continued, including a stunning three-pointer that electrified the home crowd. The tension in the arena was palpable as both teams exchanged leads, with the score fluctuating dramatically.
Coming out of the halftime break, Barcelona needed to regroup. Coach Joan Peñarroya emphasized the importance of rebounding and minimizing turnovers, stating, "The losses and the dominance of rebounds will be key to our success." His players responded with determination, looking to capitalize on every opportunity.
The third quarter was a turning point for Barcelona, as they managed to outscore Monaco 23-20, reducing the deficit to just one point by the end of the period. Hernangómez was instrumental during this stretch, showcasing his scoring ability and tenacity on the boards.
With just one quarter remaining, the intensity reached its peak. The score was close, with both teams trading baskets and the lead changing hands multiple times. Punter's clutch free throws and a crucial three-pointer from Satoransky gave Barcelona a slight edge, but Monaco's Papagiannis and Blossomgame were relentless in their pursuit of victory.
As the clock wound down, the game was tied at 84-84 with less than two minutes left. The tension was thick in the air as both teams called timeouts to strategize. James, ever the clutch performer, hit a crucial basket, putting Monaco ahead 85-84. Barcelona responded with a timeout, aiming to regroup and execute their final play.
Barcelona's final possession was fraught with pressure. With the game on the line, they needed to score to keep their Final Four hopes alive. A missed shot from Punter led to a scramble for the rebound, but Monaco's defense held strong, allowing them to secure the victory with a final score of 85-84.
This victory not only sent Monaco to the Final Four but also marked a historic moment in Euroleague history, as they became the first team to win a playoff series after leading 2-0. Barcelona's valiant effort in the series was commendable, and they will reflect on their journey with pride, knowing they fought back from the brink of elimination.
The post-game atmosphere was one of jubilation for Monaco, as players celebrated their hard-fought win. Coach Vassilis Spanoulis expressed his pride in the team's performance, stating, "We showed great resilience and determination tonight. This is just the beginning for us." Meanwhile, Barcelona's Hernangómez acknowledged the challenges they faced, saying, "We learned a lot from this series and will come back stronger next season."
As the Euroleague season progresses, all eyes will now be on the Final Four in Abu Dhabi, where Monaco will compete against the best in Europe. The stakes are higher than ever, and fans can expect more thrilling basketball action as the tournament unfolds.
